What Causes Dodge Charger Speed Sensor Problems?

Assume your vehicle suddenly lost power. The ESC, ABS, etc., and check engine light all illuminated at the same time, and you had to quickly pull over to the side of the road without using any gas. The gear shift was stuck, as was the dashboard screen. This could be due to dodge charger speed sensor problems.

The speed sensor is a small device that tells the speedometer in your car how fast you’re going. It is involved in the transmission and cruise control systems of your vehicle. In this article, we’ll look at the signs of a faulty speed sensor and how frequently you should replace it.

What Causes Dodge Charger Speed Sensor Problems?

The vehicle speed sensor, which is located on the transmission case, within the rear differential assembly, reads the speed of a vehicle’s wheel rotation while driving. The sensor also aids the vehicle’s stability while driving by informing the computer when to release pressure on a wheel while using ABS.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Faulty Speed Sensor?

When a vehicle’s speed sensor fails, it begins to exhibit some unusual symptoms that draw the attention of the driver.

1. The Check Engine Light Is Illuminated

Several vehicle engine malfunctions can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate, and one of the most common malfunctions that can cause the light to illuminate is a faulty wheel speed sensor.

2. Failure To Engage Cruise Control

When a vehicle’s cruise control system fails to receive a signal from the wheel speed sensor, the PCM disables the system.

3. Inconsistent Speedometer Readings

The wheel speed sensor is a major input for the operation of the vehicle’s speedometer system in most modern vehicles. In that case, when the speed sensor fails, it automatically affects the speedometer’s operation.

4. Shifting Transmission

The powertrain control module cannot shift gears correctly in your transmission system without a reliable signal from the transmission speed sensor.
The PCM can cause jerky gear shifts and interfere with the timing of your transmission shifts.

Diagnosing Speed Sensor Problems

If you notice a consistent display of the Check Engine light, traction control light, and ABS warning light on your car’s dashboard, investigate to determine what is wrong. An OBDII Scanner can aid in the diagnosis process. Diagnosing the issue can help to rectify the dodge charger speed sensor problems

1. Multimeter Test

If you suspect that your vehicle is experiencing speed sensor issues and want to confirm that they are the result of a faulty speed sensor,

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface to facilitate access to the sensor. Turn off the vehicle and any lights or other devices that may be drawing power from the battery.
2. Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the speed sensor near the transmission. You can locate the transmission by looking for and following the dipstick. A small metal sensor connected by two wires should be found. Check your manual for details.
3. You must unplug the sensor’s wires before removing them. If you can’t grip it with your fingers, you can remove the wires with a small pair of pliers.
4. On the top or side of the speed sensor, there is a sliding tab or a button. To remove the sensor from its housing, press the pull tab or button and gently pull it out.
5. Using your multimeter, connect the black lead to the black terminal and the red lead to the red terminal with the letter “V.” Push the leads into the slots gently. You must also set your multimeter to AC.

2. Wiring

1. The speed sensor is plugged into the vehicle via a slot. You must locate a plug that will fit into the sensor.
   Take the black lead wire and connect it to the exposed wire at the end of the black wire that is connected to the sensor. Connect the exposed end of the white wire to the exposed end of the red lead wire, which is also plugged into the sensor.
2. Because you will be testing a speed sensor, you must simulate movement to test it properly.  To rotate the gear inside the sensor, you must find a drill bit that can securely fit into it. Insert the drill bits into the gear slot of the sensor until you find one that fits perfectly.
3. Read the multimeter while the sensor spins to see if the number increases with speed. When the voltage does not increase with speed or does not show any voltage at all, the sensor is faulty.
4. To resolve the speed sensor issues, you will need to replace your sensor.
5. Replace the speed sensor in your car. If it needs to be replaced, make sure it is of the same make and model to ensure that it will fit.

Replacing Speed Sensor On Dodge

Replacing the Speed Sensor is quite easy and can be done in few steps at home

Step 1:

Jack the vehicle up and secure it with jack stands. Lift the vehicle.

Step 2:

Attach wheel chocks to both sides of the wheels that are still on the ground.

Step 3:

Remove the mounting bolt for the speedometer sensor. Remove the bolt that is securing the speedometer sensor.

Step 4:

Take the speedometer sensor out. Remove the speedometer sensor from the transmission.

Step 5:

Disconnect the electrical connector. Pull the speedometer sensor electrical connector away from the sensor after releasing the retaining tab.

Step 6:

Contrast the replacement speedometer sensor with the one that is being replaced. Check that the dimensions are the same and that the electrical connector is in place.

Step 7:

Insert the new speedometer sensor. Apply a small amount of oil or grease to the o-ring seal.

Step 8:

If you have trouble installing the sensor, try repositioning the gear and then reinstalling it. Be cautious not to use too much force, as this can result in damage. Reinstall the electrical connector in step eight. Replace the speedometer sensor’s electrical connector. Make sure the connector is inserted far enough to engage the retaining tab.

Step 9:

Take the jack stands off.

Step 10:

Take the vehicle for a spin. Drive the vehicle to ensure that the speedometer is working properly. The needle on the speedometer should move smoothly throughout its range of motion.

Conclusion

While vehicle owners can avoid replacing a vehicle speed sensor at first, they can expect the vehicle’s usability to deteriorate over time which causes dodge charger speed sensor problems. Owners want to avoid waiting until the part fails, which could cause critical vehicle systems like the speedometer and anti-lock brakes to fail.